ESPN Super Bowl XLVIII expert picks

January 31, 2014

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Chris Mortensen, ESPN NFL senior analystBroncos 23, Seahawks 20 -- The X factor in this game is Percy Harvin. He can flip that score, but in the end I'm going with Peyton Manning's ability to break down the defense just enough.

Wendi Nix, ESPN NFL studio host and reporterBroncos 27, Seahawks 21 -- With this much time to prepare and his experience, Peyton Manning can audible enough to throw off the Seattle defense, especially if there's not inclement weather.

Bill Polian, NFL Insider, six-time NFL Executive of the Year who drafted Peyton ManningBroncos 27, Seahawks 23 -- The metrics all point to Seattle, but my heart points me to No. 18.

Louis Riddick, NFL InsiderSeahawks 28, Broncos 24 -- Defensively, Seattle is uniquely equipped -- better than any team in the NFL -- to deal with Denver's offense both physically and mentally. Offensively, they have the kind of ability to be balanced that leads to time-consuming drives, limiting Denver's offensive possessions. As a team, I just don't see Seattle's resolve and fortitude allowing it to lose this game.

Jeff Saturday, "NFL Live" analyst, Super Bowl XLI champion, former teammate of Peyton ManningBroncos 28, Seahawks 24 -- That's what I picked at the beginning of the season, and as you look at the Broncos, with the talent on offense and their defense playing as well as they have been in the playoffs -- not letting teams run the ball -- they really are a complete team.

Stuart Scott, "SportsCenter" anchor, "Monday Night Countdown" co-hostBroncos 31, Seahawks 23 -- Because it's not going to be that windy, and it won't be that cold, and Peyton Manning doesn't have to look Richard Sherman's way.

Hannah Storm, "SportsCenter" anchorSeahawks 24, Broncos 21 -- The Seahawks' stellar defense takes a half to adjust to Peyton Manning and then shuts down the Broncos in the second half. Defense wins championships and the Hawks win in a close one.